Video: Get Bronzed the Healthy Way

When I self-tan my face, I make sure to contour where I can. Contouring is a great way to give your face extra definition, make it seem thinner, or make something that you don’t like appear less noticeable. It also helps create a natural glow. If you apply the self tanner in one even layer, it can make your skin look flat and dull… even dirty if you over do it! Applying it with a contour looks healthier and more realistic. Remember to start light and build your bronze. It’s always easier to add more contour than to take it away.

Make sure you start with freshly exfoliated skin. The tan will develop in the uppermost layers of the skin so you want to work on the freshest layers possible. You don’t want to use anything irritating or deeply exfoliating. A gentle peel the night before, or a glycolic wash before applying is perfect. I also sometimes like to apply a super light oil free moisturizer or hydrating serum. It gives you a bit of a buffer zone.

Using a compact but soft brush, apply small amounts of the self tanner (gels work best in this case) as you would contour your face… under the cheek bones, one the neck, under the chin, and around the sides of the forehead. The Sun Gelee I used for the contouring is from Spray di Sole and I love it. Another to try is Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning. It’s not tinted, but it’s easy to work with a gives a nice color.

Make sure to layer. Less is more. Don’t be an oompa-loompa. Keep in mind that the tan will develop after several hours. Don’t get wet in that amount of time. Check out my before and after shot to get an idea of how much my color developed after I finished filming the tutorial.

After the video and the next day

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About

I am a licensed esthetician and fully certified skin care nerd. I am passionate about all things beauty. I want to help you take care of yourself, to feel better about how you look, and to live a happier, healthier life.